Frequent Flyer Points
Many credit cards and airlines are now offering frequent flyer points to their customers. The world of frequent flyer programs can be confusing, and in order to get the most out of these rewards programs you need to understand them. Here are the basics about frequent flyer points.
Frequent flyer programs started as rewards programs that airlines offered to their most loyal customers. Since the airline industry is such a competitive field, airlines would offer frequent customers frequent flyer programs to convince them to fly that particular airline and not the competition. These points became popular, and soon credit card companies were joining with the airlines to offer them. Most of the time, these points are redeemed for free airline travel.|
| | Jet Blue Card From American Express |
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Intro APR - N/A
Intro Period - N/A
Regular APR - 18.24%
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| Miles by Discover Card - Top Travel Rewards Card |
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Intro APR - 0%
Intro Period - 6 Months*
Regular APR - 10.99%
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To earn frequent flyer points, you first must sign up with either a frequent flyer program with your favorite airline or a frequent flyer credit card. Then, use your frequent flyer card every time you fly to earn points. These points are sometimes equal to the amount of miles from your starting point to your destination, and other times they are simply a set number of points you earn for each flight you take. Also, if you use a frequent flyer credit card, use that card for other purchases to earn more points. However, you will earn the most points when you purchase airline tickets with the card. Other high point purchases include hotel accommodations and rental cards. Each time you make a purchase you earn one or more points, which are often called “miles.”
What is confusing about these points is that they are sometimes called “miles,” yet they do not actually translate into literal flight miles. For example, if you purchase a flight that earns you 2,000 frequent flyer miles, you will not be able to take a 2,000-mile trip with those points. Each point you have earned will go towards the purchase of a new airline ticket. One mile is usually worth around two cents. When you are ready to purchase an airline ticket, you should have your frequent flyer information handy. The agent or website handling your purchase will be able to help you apply the discount towards your purchase.
One thing to keep in mind is that frequent flyer points sometimes have blackout dates, which are dates when you cannot use the points towards the purchase of a ticket. When talking to your ticket agent or applying for tickets online, make sure you research the availability of the tickets you want to purchase. This way you are not stuck purchasing tickets that do not work with your schedule. You can always pay cash for the tickets you need that are under blackout dates, and then save your frequent flyer points for another purchase.
Another thing to keep in mind when redeeming frequent flyer miles is that you still will have to pay taxes and fees for your ticket. These are not covered in the rewards program. Also, many of the frequent flyer programs do have some fees attached to them. You may have to pay a small fee, for example, when you redeem your points or if you go a long period of time without using your card. In spite of these fees, you will still save a significant amount of money by using your points program when you fly.
Finally, remember that you can purchase other items with your frequent flyer points. Some programs allow you to purchase other travel-related items, such as rental cars and hotel stays, and others will even allow you to use them to purchase stock investments. Research the rewards options you have carefully so that you can get the most valuable reward from your frequent flyer program possible.
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